How to Apply for GMC Registration

GMC registration and obtaining a license to practice as a doctor in the UK are essential steps for international medical graduates (IMGs). There are several routes to achieving GMC registration, including:

Passing the PLAB Exams: This is a common route for IMGs, particularly junior doctors. If you’ve just completed PLAB 2 and want to understand the GMC registration process, you’re in the right place.

Obtaining an Acceptable Postgraduate Qualification: IMGs with suitable postgraduate qualifications can also apply for GMC registration. Ensure your qualifications are accepted by the GMC.

Sponsored by a GMC-Approved Sponsor: Some IMGs, who meet specific criteria, can obtain GMC registration through sponsorships like the Medical Training Initiative (MTI).

USMLE, MCCQE, and AMC for GMC Registration: This relatively new route allows IMGs to obtain GMC registration by passing registration exams in other countries, such as USMLE, MCCQE, or AMC.

In this guide, we’ll focus on the step-by-step process of applying for GMC registration online after passing PLAB 2.

Passing the PLAB Exams

Many IMGs opt for this route, making it the most commonly chosen path. If you are new to the UK medical registration process, you can learn more about becoming a doctor in the UK via the PLAB route in our other articles.

How to Apply for GMC Registration

Here’s a breakdown of the application process:

Submit an Application Online: Start by submitting your application online from your GMC Online account. You’ll find this option in the “My Registration > My Applications” tab.

Make the Payment: Once you’ve successfully filled out the online application, you’ll be able to make the necessary payment.

Receive an Email from GMC: GMC may request specific documents based on your online application. In some cases, they might require the actual documents via post.

Send the Requested Documents: Send the required documents to GMC via email or post.

Wait for GMC’s Approval: GMC will review your application and, once approved, will invite you to book an ID check date.

Attend an ID Check (Excluding PLAB Route): If you’re applying via the PLAB route, you won’t need an ID check appointment. However, for those applying through the PG degree or sponsorship route, you’ll have to book and attend an ID check in the UK.

Receive Your GMC Registration: After completing the ID check, you’ll receive your GMC registration. While the hard copy isn’t critical, GMC will send it to the address you provided during the ID check.

If you’d like to know more about the documents required for your GMC registration application, refer to our articles.

Steps for Making the Online Application

Your GMC online account is where the journey begins. After your PLAB 2 results are published, you can initiate your application:

Access your GMC online account

Navigate to “My Registration” and select “My Application.”

Under “IMG2” (applying after passing PLAB 2), click “Apply.”

Respond “No” if the application pertains to EC rights (unless applicable).

Indicate “No” for specialist/GP registration (apply for these after gaining sufficient training or CCT/CESR in the UK).

Confirm if you’ve completed an internship (answer “Yes” if you have).

Provide your internship details, preferably divided into specialties.

Fill in your recent professional experience details, ensuring that no required fields are left blank.

Pay close attention to “Your Recent Professional Experience” and use “Not Applicable” or “N/A” for any irrelevant required fields.

Start with the date five years before the present date and list your entries chronologically. Be thorough in specifying the roles you held, ensuring you complete the details, including dates.

Your internship can be mentioned as a continuous year if applicable, without separating into specialties. List the specialty names with commas.

Document your entire employment or attachment history.

The last entry’s ending date should align with the date you selected at the beginning.

Remember, honesty is crucial throughout your application process. Providing all relevant professional experience is vital. Avoid leaving any field blank as this could breach the Good Medical Practice guidelines on honesty and integrity. Please adhere to avoid a ban from applying for GMC registration.

Complete the “Registration and Licensing History” section by specifying your country and the relevant medical regulatory authority.

The next section assesses your “Fitness to Practice,” and in most cases, all answers should be “NO.” Carefully review all the questions to ensure accurate responses.

Finally, you’ll reach the declaration page, where you should check the box and proceed to payment. You can find information about the required fees on the GMC Fees page.

Upon payment confirmation, you’ll receive an email detailing which documents you need to send to GMC, along with comprehensive instructions to complete the registration process.

Refer to our other articles for additional information on the required documents and how to obtain them.

Obtaining an Acceptable Postgraduate Qualification

If you possess an acceptable postgraduate qualification, you can proceed with the following steps:

Attain the required score in IELTS/OET

Open a GMC online account (instructions available on how to open a GMC online account).

Verify your postgraduate qualification (PGQ) and Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) via EPIC (further details on the EPIC process).

Submit an online application from your GMC online account, following the same procedure outlined earlier.

Await application approval.

Schedule and attend an ID check

Sponsored by a GMC-Approved Sponsor:

A select few doctors who meet stringent criteria can secure GMC registration through sponsorship programs like the Medical Training Initiative (MTI). Refer to our dedicated post for detailed guidance.

USMLE, MCCQE, and AMC for GMC Registration

A relatively recent route for IMGs, this pathway enables GMC registration by passing registration exams in other countries like USMLE, MCCQE, or AMC. Explore this article for further details: GMC Registration via USMLE, MCCQE, or AMC.

Wrapping Up

GMC aims to finalize your application within three months. If you encounter any difficulties with forms or evidence, your first point of contact should be GMC. Their helpful and supportive staff are available to guide you through the application process.

In summary, honesty is your best approach. Avoid misrepresentation or submission of falsified documents, as your concerns may be unfounded. When in doubt, reach out to GMC for clarification.

Congratulations once again on reaching this important milestone in your medical career.